PAXBOY:
Re your query about continued ops, I would say from a Tower controllers perspective, "most unusual". Our normal response following an accident (though it seems no one died/seriously hurt - I would still call it an "accident") is to close the airfield until everything is well and truly under control. I would think from the video that I saw, where an aircraft is landing(?) in the background, whilst the 737 is well and truly ablaze, by my estimation is unusual.
Also there is the question of RFF resources. If too much of your Rescue Fire Fighting capacity is directed at say a burning 737 on the apron, then what is available for other aircraft operations, not to mention the implied danger of uncontrolled passengers and others running around on the manouevering area.
411A:
I agree entirely with your sentiments re attitudes towards "foreign" CC abilities in an emergency. Maybe the term "Not just a pretty face" springs to mind.